Research into stem cells is one of one of the most controversial forms of medical research. Both embryonic and adult stem cell research received support that will improve cash now accessible for the research. Stem cell research guidelines have been released by the National Institutes of Health, when the Catholic Vatican has announced it will fund adult stem cell research.
The promise of stem cell research
Stem cell research is a politically, socially, and emotionally loaded topic – for good reason. The possibility of regrowing damaged body parts and curing thousands of diseases is held in the potential of stem cells. Stem cells are “undefined” cells that could be able to become any cell within the body. Embryonic stem cells are derived from embryos created by fertility treatments that would not otherwise be used. Adult stem cells, on the other hand, are harvested then “forced” to regress into stem cells.
Embryonic stem cell research guidelines from NIH
The U.S. government has always had a very limited opinion on embryonic stem cell research. George W. Bush limited federal stem cell research funding to already-existing lines in 2001. There were 21 lines of embryonic stem cells accessible for this research when the policy went into effect. Right away after taking office, President Obama lifted this restriction and put into place strong ethical guidelines. These guidelines contain the requirement that couples must be “fully informed of other options” when they choose to donate embryonic stem cells.
NIH approves 13 lines of embryonic stem cell research
The new guidelines instituted by the National Institutes of Health created numerous questions about which lines of stem cell research would be allowed. The NIH has announced that 13 lines of embryonic stem cells are found to fulfill ethical guidelines; these 13 lines consist of four that account for many of the published on stem cell research.
Vatican to back adult stem cell research
In a surprising move, the Vatican announced they would help fund a line of adult stem cell research. The Vatican chose the Intestinal Stem Cell Consortium to receive funding. Intestinal stem cells are a form of adult stem cells that many researchers are hoping will prove useful. The Vatican continues to highlight that they consider embryonic stem cell research “gravely immoral”. A mix of emotions were evident when the Director of Stem Cell Transplantation at Boston Children’s Hospital reacted to the Vatican statement. “I applaud the Vatican for funding any type of research, but this is another attempt to pit adult stem cells against embryonic when the two are used in very different ways and have potential for different conditions.”
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/27/AR2010042703360.html
ABC News
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/vatican-backs-stem-cell-research/story?id=10447981
